The Urbanaut Pidcast - Richard Chivers🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #54 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this fascinating episode, we sit down with British photographer Richard Chivers, whose work documents the transformation of the British landscape. Richard shares insights into his creative process, personal and professional projects, and the environmental and cultural narratives that inspire him.About Our Guest: Richard Chivers

About our guest:

Richard Chivers is a documentary photographer whose work explores the shaping and reshaping of the British landscape. His practice focuses on how humans modify both urban and natural environments through infrastructure, industry, housing, and leisure—and how these changes affect and define our world.

Richard has received multiple Arts Council awards to create, curate, and exhibit his work, which has been showcased across the UK and internationally. As the co-founder of the Human Endeavour photography collective, Richard developed projects such as Degeneration and The Glasgow Effect, which were exhibited at the Brighton Photo Fringe and the Format International Photography Festival. Now a member of the MAP6 Collective, Richard has worked on recent projects in Milton Keynes, The Shetland Islands, Finland, and Wales.

Episode Links:

Website: www.rchiversphoto.co.uk
Instagram: @chiversphotoprojects

Tune in to this episode to:

• Learn how Richard’s upbringing and influences shaped his photographic voice.
• Explore the cultural and environmental narratives behind his projects, from industrial quarries to disappearing gas holders.
• Delve into his documentation of the decline of social housing in Degeneration.
• Understand the balance between professional architectural photography and personal exploration.
• Discover his process-driven approach to photographing the British landscape.

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Most Replayed
0:55 - Richard’s Background and Introduction
2:41 - Early Influences: Family and Film
5:10 - Switching Careers to Pursue Photography
12:03 - University Projects: Insecurity and Early Style
11:23 - Exploring Urban and Industrial Landscapes
37:24 - The Fascination with Quarries and Geology
45:04 - Photographing Greenham Common and Nuclear History
1:05:15 - The Collective Project: Degeneration
1:14:21 - Documenting the Decline of Gas Holders
1:19:00 - Architectural Photography as a Career
1:25:00 - Balancing Personal and Professional Projects
1:30:29 - Reflection on Process and the Enjoyment of Photography
1:34:00 - Challenges of Photographing Familiar Spaces
1:42:10 - Nature Reclaiming Industrial Sites
1:50:00 - Documenting Social and Environmental Change

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#RichardChivers #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #UrbanLandscapes #ArchitecturalPhotography #MAP6Collective #VisualNarrative #ArtisticProcess #Urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #53 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with British photographer Al Brydon, whose evocative work explores the intersections of time, place, and memory. Known for his solargraph series and co-founding the 'Inside the Outside' collective, Al offers a glimpse into his creative process and philosophical musings on photography.

About Our Guest: Al Brydon

Al Brydon is a Sheffield-based photographer whose work delves into experimental and narrative-driven photography. A co-founder of the 'Inside the Outside' collective, Al is celebrated for projects like his solargraph series, which uses pinhole cameras to capture long-exposure images over months. His practice reflects a fascination with deep time, imperfection, and the unseen, creating a layered exploration of landscapes and human connection. Al’s work has been exhibited globally and featured in publications such as Solargraphs and Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover how Al’s life in Sheffield and the Peak District shapes his creative outlook.
• Learn about the six-year journey behind his solargraph series and its philosophical underpinnings.
• Reflect on the role of chaos and destruction in art as a means of creation.
• Explore the process of turning experimental projects into photobooks.
• Gain insights into Al’s approach to storytelling and capturing the ephemeral.

Don’t forget to:

• Like this episode to support meaningful conversations about art and photography.
• Subscribe to our channel for more in-depth interviews with photographers and creatives.
• Share this episode with your community to inspire discussion about experimental photography.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Solargraph Prints: Argentea Gallery
• Based on a False Story Prints: MMX Gallery
• Al's New Book: Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly: Link
• Follow Al on Instagram: @al_brydon
• Website: www.al-brydon.com

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Coming Up…
3:28 - Life in Sheffield: Finding inspiration in an industrial and natural landscape
14:32 - Darkroom Revelations: Discovering the magic of photography
21:41 - Embracing Chaos: A creative philosophy of destruction and imperfection
28:32 - Mirror or Window? Reflecting on photography’s dual purpose
40:37 - Solargraphy Explained: Capturing deep time and unseen changes
49:18 - Time and Perspective: Exploring non-human perceptions of time
56:52 - A Forest’s Death: Documenting the destruction of a pine plantation
1:00:18 - Pandemic Anchor: Solargraphs as a source of solace during lockdown
1:13:16 - Influences and Inspirations: The artists who shaped Al’s work
1:16:56 - Photobook Creation: Turning Solargraphs into a published work
1:32:18 - Stories in the Landscape: Unexpected narratives in photography
1:47:00 - The Philosophy of Forgetting: Memory, absence, and ephemeral art
1:51:14 - Reflections on Art: Intention, interpretation, and artistic legacy

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#AlBrydon #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #Solargraphs #ExperimentalPhotography #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #52 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Finnish artist, educator, and curator Rebecca Simons. Her multidisciplinary work examines the complexities of family, trauma, and memory, offering immersive experiences that challenge conventional storytelling.

About Our Guest: Rebecca Simons

Rebecca Simons is a Swedish-speaking Finnish artist whose practice spans photography, video, installation, and community engagement. Her work delves into intergenerational trauma, exploring family dynamics and memory preservation through innovative methods. Based in the Netherlands, Rebecca is a teacher at Willem de Kooning Academy and a member of the SAAC (Sexually Abused Artists Collective). Her deeply personal yet collaborative approach has made her a vital voice in contemporary art.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover how Rebecca’s family history inspired her art and storytelling.
• Learn how she integrates archival materials, such as photographs and letters, into her work.
• Understand the impact of multidisciplinary art on addressing complex social issues.
• Explore her collaborative projects, such as Daughters and her work with SAAC.
  

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more episodes diving into the world of art and photography.
• Like and share this episode to spotlight Rebecca’s important work.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
  

EPISODE LINKS:

Rebecca’s Website: rebeccasimons.com SAAC Collective: saacamsterdam.com

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Coming Up… 2:48 - Rebecca’s background and introduction 5:14 - Transition from painting to photography as an interactive medium 7:39 - Multidisciplinary approach and artistic identity 20:17 - Personal storytelling as a tool for healing and dialogue 28:43 - Collaboration within her family and the healing process 33:08 - Using archival material to create layered narratives 42:11 - Immersive installations and their impact on viewers 56:58 - The role of resin in preserving memory and reclaiming narratives 1:13:54 - Rebecca’s involvement with SAAC and collective storytelling 1:21:21 - Thoughts and Advice for Artist and Image Makers

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#RebeccaSimons #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #MultidisciplinaryArt #TraumaHealing #SAAC #FamilyNarratives #ArchivalArt #ContemporaryPhotography #Urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard

The Urbanaut Podcast - John Sanderson🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #51 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. This episode delves into the evocative landscapes of America through the lens of distinguished photographer John Sanderson. His work captures the transformation and decay of environments shaped by history and human interaction.

About Our Guest: John Sanderson John Sanderson's photography is shaped by his upbringing in New York and his family’s Vaudeville history, melding a deep connection to American landscapes with narrative-driven imagery. His large format photography captures scenes from urban decay to rural serenity, exploring the interplay between man and environment.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover the evolution of John's career and his approach to capturing the American landscape.
• Explore the stories and artistic insights behind his significant projects like "Railway Landscapes" and "National Character."
• Understand how John's photography reflects broader socio-political themes and personal history.

Don't forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more insights into the world of art and photography.
• Like and share this episode to explore the profound narratives within American landscapes.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.

OUTLINE:

• 0:00 - Coming Up…
• 3:28 - Background and Influence
• 6:56 - Discovery of Large Format Photography
• 13:54 - Influence of Winston Link and American Modernist Painters
• 22:54 - Photographic Philosophy and Emotional Connection
• 30:14 - Globalization and Homogenization of Places
• 9:52 - Relevance of Post-Industrial Landscapes
• 47:32 - Artistic Integrity and the Role of the Soul
• 52:07 - Challenges of Large Format Photography
• 1:04:58 - Artistic Perspective and Visual Approach
• 1:09:05 - Project Narratives and Inspirations
• 1:15:31 - Timelessness of Railroad Landscapes
• 1:54:32 - Culmination and Reflections
• 2:03:54 - Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations

EPISODE LINKS: John’s Website: john-sanderson.com John’s Instagram: @johnsandersonphotographer

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#JohnSanderson #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #AmericanLandscapes #DocumentaryPhotography #RailwayLandscapes #NationalCharacter #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #50 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this fascinating episode, we sit down with the innovative German photomedia artist Boris Eldagsen. Renowned for his deep exploration of the unconscious mind, Boris’s work blends photography, theater, painting, and film to create symbolic visual poetry that exists between the sublime and the uncanny.

About Our Guest: Boris Eldagsen

Boris Eldagsen is a Berlin-based photomedia artist whose career spans over two decades. His work delves into the unconscious, crafting evocative images and immersive installations that connect with viewers on an intuitive, dreamlike level. From "Inverted Street Photography" to cutting-edge AI image-making—termed "promptography"—Boris continuously pushes the boundaries of art and technology. With exhibitions worldwide and collaborations with leading institutions, Boris remains a pioneer in exploring humanity’s collective unconscious through art.

Tune in to this episode to:

- Explore the origins of Boris’s groundbreaking "promptography" and AI image-making.

- Learn how Boris combines archetypes, symbolism, and technology to craft his evocative art.

- Discover how his personal philosophy and experiences shape his creative journey.

- Reflect on the societal and artistic implications of AI in visual storytelling.

Outline:

0:00 - Coming Up…

3:30 - Early Artistic Influences and Transition to Photography

7:23 - Philosophy and Artistic Foundations

11:11 - Discovering Yin and Yang in His Work

18:05 - Collaboration with Roger Ballen

22:45 - The Concept of Inverted Street Photography

28:18 - Transition to Staged Photography

47:27 - Evolution of Immersive Installations

1:00:17 - Collaborative Work and AI Experimentation

1:02:19 - Philosophy of AI and Promptography

1:13:50 - Creativity as Problem-Solving

1:20:53 - The Future of AI and Art

1:41:27 - Overcoming Misconceptions About AI in Art

1:53:35 - Exploring Human Condition and Subconscious Themes

1:58:27 - Returning to Black-and-White Imagery

2:00:45 - Closing Thoughts on Collaboration and Future Projects

Don’t forget to:

- Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that explore the intersection of art, technology, and the unconscious.

- Like and share this episode to celebrate the evolution of visual storytelling.

- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

EPISODE LINKS:

Boris's Website: www.eldagsen.com

Instagram: @boriseldagsen

SOCIAL:

- Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

- Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

- Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

- Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#BorisEldagsen #TheUrbanautPodcast #AIArt #Photography #Promptography #VisualPoetry #TheUnconsciousMind #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #49 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we journey with Canadian photographer and educator Kyler Zeleny, whose work delves deeply into the Canadian prairies and the stories within rural communities. Kyler’s trilogy of photo books captures the essence of small-town life, exploring the beauty, resilience, and complexities of the rural landscape.

About Our Guest: Kyler Zeleny
Kyler Zeleny (b. 1988) is an accomplished Canadian photographer, educator, and author, holding degrees in Political Science, Photography and Urban Cultures, and a PhD in Communication & Culture. With published works like Out West, Found Polaroids, Crown Ditch & The Prairie Castle, and Bury Me in the Back Forty, Kyler has documented rural life on the prairies for over a decade. His work, featured in publications like The Globe & Mail, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, reflects his ongoing exploration of rural identity and urban-rural contrasts.

You can follow Kyler's journey and works on Instagram at @kylerzeleny or on his website at kylerzeleny.com.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover the origins of Kyler’s trilogy documenting rural Canadian life:
• Explore his inspirations drawn from his academic and artistic background, and how his rural upbringing on the Canadian prairies continues to shape his artistic philosophy.
• Delve into his reflections on “post-photography” in an AI-driven era, where traditional photography blends with digital and archival storytelling.
• Hear Kyler’s philosophy on respecting the creative process and pursuing knowledge, as he shares insights on capturing rurality's “roses and thorns.”
• Learn about the “hero’s journey” in his work, as Kyler returns to his roots to create a layered narrative of rural life.

Don't forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more episodes exploring art, photography, and place.
• Like and share this episode to celebrate the stories and landscapes of the Canadian prairies.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Kyler’s Contact: www.kylerzeleny.com
• Kyler’s Instagram: @kylerzeleny

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction to Kyler’s Trilogy
8:56 - Farm Background and Early Photography Beginnings
14:37 - Influence of New Topographic Photographers
35:09 - The “Hero’s Journey” and Storytelling
36:51 - Exploration of ‘Found Polaroids’
52:34 - Loneliness and Spiritual Connection to Rural Life
1:25:22 - Reflections on ‘Post-Photography’
1:30:38 - The Rose Metaphor
1:32:08 - Layered Storytelling in Photography
1:59:44 - Creating a Roadmap of Past, Present, and Future
2:06:08 - Final Reflections and Advice to Photographers

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#KylerZeleny #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CanadianPrairies #DocumentaryPhotography #RuralIdentity #OutWest #CrownDitch #BuryMeInTheBackForty #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #48 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this insightful episode, we are joined by the visionary Damien Drew—an accomplished production designer and an evocative photographer. Damien’s unique perspective bridges architecture, film, and photography, creating a compelling narrative on the transformation and loss of authentic places across global landscapes.

Damien Drew’s work critically examines the evolving relationship between humans and their built environments. Capturing what he sees as the loss of distinct “place” in favor of homogenized spaces, Drew invites us to consider the beauty of impermanence. His celebrated exhibitions, Everywhere was Wherever and Wabi-Sabi, depict vanishing cultural landscapes, from America’s southern towns to rural Japan. Through his evocative lens, Drew reframes the forgotten or decaying as spaces of quiet reflection, beauty, and introspection.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Journey through Damien’s transition from architecture into film and photography.
• Understand how his architectural training influences his documentary approach to photography.
• Explore his projects, Shikoku Silence and Wabi Sabi, which capture the melancholic beauty of impermanent spaces in rural Japan.
• Gain insight into Damien’s reflections on globalization’s impact on cultural identity and unique environments.
• Discover his role in the art direction and production design for Elvis, where he helped recreate 1950s and 1970s Memphis to tell the story of the iconic musician.

Don't Forget to:

• Subscribe for more in-depth discussions with visionary artists and photographers.
• Like and share this episode to support thoughtful dialogue on visual storytelling and cultural shifts.
• Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Episode links:

• Damien’s Website: damiendrew.com
• Damien’s Photography Portfolio: photography.damiendrew.com
• Damien’s Instagram: @damien_drew

Outline:

0:00 - Introduction to Damien and his Work
3:00 - Discovering Photography as a Teenager
4:26 - Studying Architecture and Its Influence on Visual Storytelling
9:43 - Entering the Film Industry Through Serendipity
17:45 - Cross-Country Motorcycle Journey in the U.S. as Creative Inspiration
24:18 - Observing Homogeneity Across American Small Towns
33:52 - Cultural Loss and the Importance of Architectural Documentation
1:05:22 - Parallel Passion for Photography in Film
1:10:56 - The Decline of Japanese Rural Villages in Shikoku Silence
1:17:33 - Tokyo’s Traditional Markets vs. Modern Consumerism
1:28:07 - Trusting One's Creative Voice Over External Feedback
1:32:29 - Japan’s “Night Movers” Company and Themes of Reinvention
1:40:15 - Production Design Work on Elvis and Recreating 1950s Memphis
1:52:06 - Emotional Connection Through Personal Projects Over Commercial Success
1:55:18 - Solitude in Independent Creative Work
1:56:58 - Advice on Following Your Authentic Voice in Art

Our Social Media:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#DamienDrew #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CulturalDocumentation #VisualStorytelling #WabiSabi #ShikokuSilence #UrbanExploration #ElvisMovie #ArtDirection #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

About Our Guest: Damien DrewTune in to this episode to:Don’t forget to:EPISODE LINKS:OUTLINE:SOCIAL:

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #47 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this intimate and reflective episode, we welcome the inspiring artist-photographer Ruth Lauer Manenti. Ruth’s journey is a profound narrative of resilience, memory, and art, shaped by her family’s legacy and her spiritual practice. Her current projects, Excerpts/I Imagined It Empty and Engravings, explore themes of life’s impermanence and the quiet beauty in everyday moments.

About Our Guest: Ruth Lauer Manenti
Ruth Lauer Manenti received her MFA from Yale in painting and drawing and later transitioned to photography, achieving what she had long sought through drawing and painting. Inspired by her parents’ poetic sensibilities — her father’s reverence for life’s transience and her mother’s gratitude for nature’s simplicity — Ruth’s work captures the fragility and fleeting beauty of life. Currently pursuing her MFA in photography at Hartford University, she continues to deepen her exploration of memory, spirituality, and the traces of loved ones we carry with us.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Hear about Ruth’s creative evolution from painting to photography and her journey toward artistic authenticity.
• Explore the narratives behind her projects Excerpts/I Imagined It Empty and Engravings, inspired by her home in the Catskill Mountains.
• Reflect on themes of loss, family legacy, and the meaningful moments of shared existence captured in her photographs.

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more insights from artists who bring unique perspectives to photography.
• Like and share this episode to celebrate the transformative power of memory and art.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

EPISODE LINKS
Ruth’s Website: Ruth Lauer Manenti

OUTLINE
0:00 - Most Replayed
1:02 - Ruth’s Background and the Early Influence of Family
8:33 - Discovering Photography and Leaving Painting
15:24 - Art as a Lifeline and Therapeutic Practice
22:02 - Embracing Emptiness in Art and Life
30:00 - Excerpts/I Imagined It Empty — Capturing Memories of Her Mother
40:11 - Photographing the Beauty of the Everyday
50:17 - Reflections on Family, Legacy, and Time
1:02:27 - How Ruth Hopes Her Art Impacts Viewers
1:11:08 - The Vulnerability of Sharing Personal Work
1:39:05 - Creating Art as a Continuum of Family and Memory

SOCIAL

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#RuthLauerManenti #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CatskillMountains #IImaginedItEmpty #ArtisticProcess #MemoryAndLegacy #urbanautica